Relief for goalkeeper Matasi over match-fixing allegations but problems far from over
Tusker goalkeeper Patrick Matasi dives to make a save during their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match against Bidco United at MISC, Annex ground on June 5, 2022.
The High Court has given goalkeeper Patrick Matasi a temporary reprieve, but his troubles over allegations of match-fixing are far from over.
On March 27, 2025 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) provisionally suspended the Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper for 90 days pending investigation into the matter.
FKF acted after videos surfaced online of a person alleged to be the 37-year-old goalkeeper receiving instructions on match-fixing from an unseen individual.
FKF has requested for assistance from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission in investigating the matter.
In one of the videos, a person alleged to be Matasi can be seen in vehicle receiving instructions on match-fixing from an unseen individual.
In the second video, a person believed to be Matasi is heard conversing with another person, also unseen.
The player refuted claims that he was the person in the two videos, which went viral.
On Wednesday, High Court sitting in Kakamega granted the goalkeeper conservatory orders, temporarily lifting the ban imposed on him by FKF for 30 days.
That has allowed him to resume participation in all FKF-sanctioned events. It also means that FKF can’t impose any sanctions on the goalkeeper pending hearing and determination of a petition filed by the goalkeeper.
On Thursday, Matasi resumed training and will be available for selection by his team Kakamega Homeboyz for the round of 16 matches of the domestic Cup (MozzartBet Cup) against Shabana.
On Thursday, the federation confirmed that it had arrived at collective decision to allow Matasi play as they ponder whether to appeal the court’s decision.
“The federation follows the law and respects the court ruling and we have not sent Homeboyz any communication to the contrary, but we are contemplating filing an appeal. What is key now is focusing on the investigations to confirm the claims, or absolve him from blame with regard to match-fixing,” a source at the federation who sought anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter said, hinting that Matasi’s temporary relief might remain just that.
On Thursday, Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula said Matasi had been reinstated to the team and his salary had been restored.
Shimanyula also said the court order does not stop the club from fielding the goalkeeper in matches.
"I haven't received any communication from FKF contrary to the court's order," Shimanyula said.
Matasi was back at the Kakamega Homeboyz training ground on Thursday ahead of their MozzartBet Cup clash with Shabana on Saturday.
Kakamega Homeboyz coach Francis Baraza confirmed the player's return but was non-committal on his selection for the match against Shabana FC.
"Matasi has returned to training and as one of my players, if I see him fit and well, he will be available for selection. As a coach, my job is on the field. If there are issues concerning my player with the club's management, then that justifies me not fielding the player," said Baraza.
"He has been watching his teammates in training and has been training a bit, although not that much, but as a coach he is my player and if he is available he can play in any game," Baraza added.
Since Matasi's suspension on 27 March 2025, Baraza has opted for either Ibrahim 'Babu' Wanzala or Simon Masaka in goal.
Wanzala was in fine form as Kakamega Homeboyz came from a goal down to beat AFC Leopards 2-1 in a league match at Dandora Grounds on Saturday.